September 2026

 

September 2026

 

After getting home from Spain I set about  doing a repair on a suitcase. It was a dual head zipper type that one zipper had failed. The other one was still good. It was how to get one zipper to do all the functions and still lock. The answer was to move the lock so it could. A couple of hours and it was done and the suitcase was again functional with a small aluminium plate covering the original lock hole.

The first Sunday of the month was almost a week into September. Another warm pleasant day for a ride on the Buell. Spent some time taking  pics of the bikes in the car park to record the event for the club. It was a nice social day with allot being spent in the club shop that kept me busy.

Monday was MOT day for the Kawasaki  at West London Triumph or Jack Lilley’s when it was in Ashford and did their bit to support the London Motorcycle Museum when it was open.  The Kawasaki passed its MOT. I was just as busy on Tuesday when it was the turn of the Citroen C3 Aircross. I got it early so I could  arrange future MOT’s in August ahead of the road tax. It passed its MOT too.

At the end of the week Gita went off to India to see her mum and I went off to Norfolk to meet up with my brothers Barry and Adrian. Last year I went in the El Cid and left the C3 at home for Gita to use. This year I had such luxury and with good weather and  no drama. Martham Boat Yard was the driest I had seen. Welly’s  not required for walks as in previous years. The week was another one of a bit of sailing,  cruising with the electric out board and visits to local pubs like the Kings Arms and just down the road  to the Nelson Head for evening meals.

Last year I was not well enough to venture to the Norfolk Motorcycle Museum . Feeling better I ventured to North Walsham  during the week . I met up with Steve who has now become the main person on the desk and spent a long time talking  about the state of the museum and the trends he is finding about his visitors. Life is changing as is the interest in the content of the museum. Things are definitely turning  Japanese.

Walking into Potter Heigham has become more pleasant along the river bank on the wide grass walk way instead of the path which was usually flooded. New places have opened  up there with the Latham’s store being the centre of the metropolis amply supported with pubs that do good beer and food. Surprise to find the  eminently quaffable Hobgoblin Gold Ale on draught.

Going home I made a detour to Kings Lynn. Not for the Adrian Flux Arena but to see Phil who was one of our stalwart members of the LE Club who recently moved there. An enjoyable stop with  new house and garden inspection before travelling home. Hope to see him again on my next visit to Norfolk.

With Gita still away in India I took up an invitation  to attend the 50 years awards at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at Cold Bath Square. I met a few friends and colleagues and talked to many people who had met or worked with people I knew. It was a very pleasant few hours of nostalgia. The reason for attending was to receive my 50 year award and being a Fellow of the Institute and Chartered Scientist and  have Diploma in Medical Laboratory Management.

 All that adds up to a FIBMS, Ch Sci, and DMLM and I managed to do it while Motorcycling, Skiing and that includes skidoos and a very small amount of ice skating. All of which you can break  bones with and have.

August 2026

 

August 2026

 

The first weekend is Wey Valley Advanced  Motorcyclists Observed Sunday. This Sunday I use the Kawasaki. I discovered a fuelling problem on the Buell and will need to get it looked at before doing any miles. This Sunday was a pleasant day to ride on. A bit cooler than the blisteringly hot weather we have had. T he Buell gets too hot to ride in these conditions in traffic. I need to be doing fifty not to get burned with the heat from the exhaust. A week later I visited Snobs to have the mapping checked and  took it away to check the changes. I will need to do more miles to see the difference.

 

It was much better. I spent several days writing and posting Coast to Coast in time to go on holiday again with the grandchildren in Spain. There were three birthday’s while were away Gita, Ena and Ivy. There was allot of celebrations and special things done in Barcelona with a big breakfast at “Billy Brunch” and a visit to the Planetarium. I was impressed by the way it was laid out and by how a rain forest is portrayed. There was a visit to the Sagrada area for many street displays that happen each year with the best display getting recognition and a prize. We saw a portrayal of Harry Potter, a battle scene from Lord of the Rings and the life of a fly.

In a few days the family took the afternoon ferry to Mallorca and  hired a car to get us to a remote villa. The ferry took nearly four and a half hours and we only just got to the hire place   in time before it closed at eight in the evening. Gita chose to drive following  Isaac and  Ivy. Mallorca is not that big an island but it took nearly an hour to get to the villa. It was at the other side of the island to the ferry port and airport of Palma.

 The quietest  place you could retreat to and I spent lots of time reading  beside the pool. There were numerous visits to local beaches and a visit to the town of Palenca with its’ church on a hill and three hundred and sixty-five steps to get to it and an Indian restaurant just off the square to have lunch in between rain storms. Having returned to the villa  and finding Youtube available we watched our video of 2025. It is a comedy by Nisha Kalita commenting on how the tourists are ripped off  by traders. Gita and I played the unsuspecting tourists with a happy ending.

Last day Isaac and Ivy with the grandchildren went to the port for the return ferry to Barcelona and we went to Palma after vacating the villa. We spent the whole day visiting the historic features in the old town before eating  in a new style restaurant, Organic, just around the corner from the car park. After dropping the hire car off at the airport our flight was delayed by an hour making it nearly midnight before taking a taxi home.

Bank Holiday weekend was the Assam Day event held each year by the UAAUK charity. This year Gita was invited to dance and went to Nottingham  and Eastwood Hall in the Burton. It was a very wet drive and there were delays all the way making the one hundred and thirty miles a four hour marathon. Gita was first to dance on the Saturday and did a new composition from  her mentors, Dipjyoti and Depankur put to a song sung by Zuben Garg. Sunday was even better with her performing a classical Sattriya dance before a very special performance  of the story of Rama’s wedding. It is a classical story because his wife is kidnapped on the day of the wedding and the performance follows  his quest to find her and bring her home. This is a very special play from Indian history and is the first time presented in the UK. All organised by Madhurima. An exceptional lady with amateur cast from  members of the Assam Association. It is something worth seeing.

We had a very social weekend talking to old friends who, after reading my article in the Assam Association magazine could not believe I had  ridden a bike in Arunachal on such an arduous journey. The journey home in the Burton took just as long with just as many delays on the Monday but it was in sunshine nearly all the way and a tail wind to help us on our way.

Le Petite Van Gris Part 9

 

Le Petite Van Gris 9

 

It has been a long time since I have done anything on or for the van. I have been told more than a year. It started with the question “Are you going to the World meeting in Slovinia this Year?” The answer was no. I had been out of sorts not fussed about doing anything. I did not have the drive. Where had my Mojo gone? But there was a spark. Some parts were coming by friends who I did not know yet. Little parcels, and some bigger ones found their way to me as if by magic. I had travelled around the country picking up parts and delivering them. They have their own stories but the thought of movement on the parts front galvanised me into action. I progressed on making contacts to obtain other parts I needed and successful purchases ensued. Although not ideal they got me to where I needed to be. Some were found for me and I picked them up the suspension cans from Martyn at Cotswold Classics. They are Ami eight and the right size and useable but the spring tension was not high enough but it would give me useable system until I could get the right ones. Some suspension is better than none. I will leave them in the cans for now and not use the naked fitment supplied by Louis Barbour in the 4X4 set up. The suspension cans are in quite good order and I am loath to destroy them for appearances. Progression on finding a suitable GSA gearbox took a little longer meant a trip to Kenilworth to pick it up then delivered to ECAS in Stoke where a member of the racing team was going to deliver it to Louis at the 24 hour 2CV race in Francorchamps, Belgium. The next stage in my 4X4 transmission was taking shape. I suspect it will be a few months before it will be ready. I have now collected my 2CV gearbox from Ric Pembro with the transfer box attached.  Watching Ric do the last piece of assembly was enlightening with much valued information. It is now sitting in my garage ready for fitting. It is now April 2026.

 Moving on to summer and the heat of July and waiting for the rear differential which is the last major part. I thought I could use the suspension cans on the chassis. I tried it and after about a week and much faffing about I found there was a disproportionate weight distribution with the front sticking in the air with no height at the rear. I had to go to Louis set up and cut the end off the can, using an angle grinder removing just the weld, and just use the springs and pullers. All this being done while under the van. I still have to find the correct adjustment and I have the feeling I will need to shorten the rear pull rods to get the right height at the rear.

July 2026

 

July 2026

 

First Sunday of the month again is the Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclist meeting “Observed Sunday.”  It is also a social gathering for a bacon or sausage or  sandwich  and  tea or coffee and a reason for getting out to see your mates on a Sunday morning. This time I arrived on the Buell and great to be out on it again and feeling strong enough to ride it. I met a guy and his wife in the car park while I was photographing the bikes complaining that he had given up riding out of fear from his wife of  him getting hurt. His confidence was ebbing at a youthful age of sixty. My response was to get out there and enjoy while you can. I ride a big bike and I’m Seven-four. What is your problem? I had  no answer for his wife’s fear. Not foundless but not rational. If he has enough skill to survive this long then why should he not continue to do so?

A surprise meeting a few days later was an extraordinary meeting to elect a new chairman for the club. Unfortunately his domestic environment meant he could no longer be chair and had to resign. Shame, he was doing a great job. There were two candidates for the post, both equally capable but it was personality and visibility that won the day. Another ride out on the Buell in glorious evening weather.

I have been working on the van suspension and that will be covered in its own posting.  Another ride on the Buell to the LE club night at the Land of Liberty. Peace and  Plenty for another social evening and discussing riding techniques with Antony. Not long after that evening I took the Buell to Snobs for a bit of fuel remapping as the pick-up was a bit slow. It was better but will need more fettling.

Having had the fuse box problem with the Burton I ordered a replacement on line then spent half a day crawling upside down under the dash board to get to the wiring. The fuse box was slightly damaged from the heat. I felt it was prudent to have replaced  it.

Now in between there was some DIY to bedone. Replacementof the lights in the downstairs toilet with repair to the ceiling. That took days filling the broken plaster on each light fitting. Restoring the roundness and size to take the new lights. A coat of paint before fitting the lights to finish the job. I checked the extension  roof for breaks in the leaded drain channel which had joints in the lead that had leaks over last winter. Now it was dry it was a good time to check it. That meant climbing on the extension roof.  It was only a single storey so manageable with a step ladder. Another coat of bitumastic pain over the joint to make it more weatherproof. In a visit by the grandkids the finger lock on the French doors was damaged  in the hot weather. The finger lock lever got bent when the opened door was closed by the wind. To close the door the lever had to be straightened and it broke in the process.  Easy to order on line and fit the replacement.

June 2026

 June 2026

 

June was filled with the trip to America “Coast to Coast 2026.”  It was full on for three weeks but there was still some of the month left and  things still to do. When we walked through the door a visit to the loo was needed. Straight to the down stairs one. Switch on the light and a few seconds later no light. The trip switch on the main circuit panel was activated. It took me a few days to identify the problem. Checking light circuits. The extractor fan and in the end removing the ceiling lights. There are five in this toilet-shower room. All awkwardly positioned for safe access using a small step ladder. After pulling the light units from the ceiling, and making a mess, two of the light ‘s wires were not attached  properly and were the cause of the problem and would have to be replaced along with repairs to the ceiling. This was a July job but in between the two faulty lights were disconnected to have a usable toilet with lights.

I had entered to Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club Classic Car run at the end of June. I had a few days to check over and  prepare the Burton for the event. Take the cover off and start the car. It had not been use since the MOT. Turn on the ignition switch and..... nothing, completely dead. I started with the battery connections, check to the fuse box. The main fuse had blown and the area around  it had signs of overheating. I inspected all the blade fuses and the first, a 40amp, hand not fitted  into the connection clips properly and one of  the legs was bent making  a poor connection which over heated. It was the same story with the second fuse found, a 20 amp. Fuses replaced  and correctly positioned. Circuits restored and everything working. Tyres checked, car wash and  polished, the Burton was ready to go.

Cat in the cattery again after just collecting her when we got back from the USA. We drove down to stay with my brother in Chipping Sodbury. It was an uneventful journey and  left me time during the evening to attach the event  plate and view the route instructions. In the morning , Barry joined us, it was an early start having to be lined up for the start in the High Street at eight for departure at nine. Breakfast on bacon and egg roll, a quick chat with the Mayor and we are off. Me driving and Gita navigating  (80) and Adrian, Barry and Jane following closely behind in the Dolly (81), and Tor and Judy  in their Jaguar (82). Half way there were refreshments at a pub, which unfortunately for everyone,  had  no  running  water. No working toilets, so the stop for refreshments was quite short. We came straight back to the finish  point in enough time to enjoy a meal and to talk to anyone and everyone about our cars. We left early to go to the Horseshoe for an Elvis night in the pub garden. T here were no seats in the garden so we retired to the lounge for a relaxing evening.

We left Chipping Sodbury after visiting the egg farm near Wickwar with trays of eggs, fruit and vegetables from  the shop. There was another uneventful journey home in blistering heat

Coast to Coast Part 8 San Francisco

 

Coast to Coast 2026

Part 8 San Francisco

We arrived yesterday late afternoon and went exploring.  To make the most of our visit we bought explore tickets that gave us access to the cable car and bus services. It took me ages to work out the routes and bus stops. We had to see the Golden Gate Bridge and anything else we could fit in. We used the cable car for the experience and  theatre of the ride to get to the sea front and Fisherman’s Wharf  for breakfast then a walk along to Pier 39  to catch the Blue and White boat trip to the bridge because we could not do it in  the fog yesterday. After the cruise we explored Pier 39 and did more gift shopping.

Going to Haight Ashbury, the birth place of the Hippie Movement had to be explored  in daylight. Taking a bus was not difficult and  got us to where we wanted to go.

In the quest for live music there were artists performing outside the entrance of   Pier 39 to keep us entertained  while waiting for the cruise. When we got to Reilly’s the live music had been cancelled. It clashed with the USA having one of the important matches that was being shown at the Mad Dog and was a ticket only night. It was a cold evening  so we stopped at an Asian restaurant, Papa’s, for our evening meal. Beer and chicken noodles. We got an Uber back to the hotel and a brandy night cap. Joon was going home, back to Guwahati, and  had an early start to catch his flight. We booked his Uber  and waved him off at six-thirty. That was the end of his epic adventure with us.

That left us to check out of the Bay Bridge Inn and move to another hotel then drop off the hire car. First there was breakfast to be had the closest was Mr East another Asian restaurant that served fresh fruit and salad. We could not get access to the room until three but we were able to drop off the luggage to empty the car before dropping  it off at the rental centre at the airport. Gita and I returned via the Metro and did a bit of shopping at Macy’s before returning to the Marine Memorial Club Hotel to check-in. It felt so safe and plush and  near the centre of things in Sutter street off Union Square.  

They had “Happy Hour” from four to six in the restaurant on the fourth floor which we both took advantage of.  Happy Hour rolled into an evening meal and  serenaded by the staff into a full performance that when it finished it was time for bed.

The hotel had a laundry room that we made use of and  refreshed our clothes to take home. I went for a walk on Market street and found a Trader Joe’s and stocked up on fruit later we had heard of the Black Cats Night Club which was a few blocks away and went to investigate. I did not feel safe in that area which was quite run down. There were quite a few people living on the street. Walking there at night would be asking for trouble. The other option around the corner from the hotel was another club that did food with music called the Biscuit and Blues with a $40 ticket plus food. The artist was Joey Delgado a renowned Nashville Blues champion  that we talked to after the show.

It was cold the next day. We took an Uber to Fisherman’s Wharf then came back by bus. Too early for happy hour we slept through it. We ate in Cesarios next door.

Our last full day out for a walk to another Trader Joe’s on my own. Gita and I took bus no 2 outside the hotel then a 43 to take us to Haight Ashbury and the Tie Dye Shop. It was amazing the whole shop looked as though it had been Tie Dyed even the carpet. We returned on the no 7 bus. There was “happy hour” at  the hotel but no evening meal so we walked to Sam’s Grill and Seafood restaurant near Market street. It was cold again so we got an Uber back.

We were ready to leave and got an Uber to the airport arriving at 11:45. With some assistance we were quickly through luggage check-in and on to passport and security with a ticket for flying but no seat allocation. The on line check –in forces you to buy your seat allocation  which I refused to do. My daughter could look up my seat allocation on United Airline site but I could not. It just added  another level of unnecessary  tension I could do without.. We did get the seats just before boarding at four and departed at five fifteen. Glad to be on our way home.